Should the Seahawks consider Vick?

It seems that NFL Commissioner Roger Godell is close to making a decision on suspended and humiliated quarterback Michael Vick, who is planning a return to the league if he can find a job.

Vick has been suspended and jailed for the past 21 months for financing and participating in a dogfighting ring and the one-time NFL’s most exciting and highest paid player is now looking for a minimum contract and a chance just to make a roster. I don’t think Goddell should curtail Vick’s right to earn a living and it is going to be difficult as it is for Vick to find a home.

Seahawks wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh said this week that he would welcome Vick if the club decided to bring him in. And if he would help the Seahawks toward a Super Bowl run — with an aging roster — should it be a consideration?

Obviously Matt Hasselbeck is the starting quarterback and there is no dispute about his job. But couldn’t the Seahawks sign Vick and interchange him and Seneca Wallace at backup quarterback and perhaps receiver? That combination would scare opposing defenses and would upgrade the Seahawks offense.

In an area that adores its pets such as Seattle, Vick’s entrance into the community will cause major issues. But if the former Falcons quarterback embraces a role that would teach kids and even adults about the perils of pet abuse and humbly face his critics, then it could work.

Many critics are beginning to believe that Vick has paid his price. He lost in the neighborhood of $200 million as well as his dignity and two years of his NFL career for orchestrating a dogfighting ring. The question is whether that is enough punishment and whether Vick shows enough humility to help fans embrace him.

No team currently has expressed interest in Vick because they don’t have to go public yet. Vick is not free to sign with any team and play until Goddell gives his approval. But there is definite interest and Vick is likely to hold workouts for scouts to show he still possesses the speed and prowess he did before his suspension.

But any club that signs Vick realizes its impact reaches way beyond football, although there are players in the NFL who have continued careers despite misconduct. The St. Louis Rams’ Leonard Little killed a woman in a 1998 vehicular manslaughter and served 90 days in jail, but he has continued his career with the Rams.

I don’t like to compare crimes and sentences because cruelty to animals is a very serious transgression, but I think any team that signs Vick will have to have a fan base that is open to listening and accepting a flawed man. Is Seattle capable of that? As a fan, could you get over Vick’s past and cheer for him on the field? Especially if he would help the Hawks reach the NFL pinnacle?

Every NFL team — besides the Atlanta Falcons — is pondering that question. And with Seahawks coach Jim Mora being familiar with Vick from his Atlanta days, Seattle would be an intriguing possibility.

Seattle has been known for its liberalism and ability to forgive and offer second chances. Does Vick deserve a chance here?